Arsenal are reportedly considering ending their pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes after discovering the Newcastle United captain would cost significantly more than they had initially expected.
The Gunners remain admirers of the Brazil international, with Mikel Arteta viewing the midfielder as an ideal addition to strengthen his Premier League-winning squad.
However, negotiations have reached an impasse as Newcastle continue to stand firm over their valuation of one of their most influential players.
Initial discussions through intermediaries reportedly suggested Guimaraes could be available for around £50 million.
That belief is understood to have stemmed from previous conversations involving the player’s representatives and former Newcastle co-owner Amanda Staveley before her departure from the club.
Those discussions reportedly centred on a scenario in which Newcastle failed to qualify for the Champions League.
Instead, Newcastle secured their place back among Europe’s elite last season and now have little incentive to sell their captain.
The Magpies have also undergone significant changes to their squad over the past year, including the departures of Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali, making Guimaraes an even more important figure in Eddie Howe’s plans.
Reports from last week claimed the 28-year-old had already agreed personal terms on a five-year contract with Arsenal and informed Newcastle of his desire to move to north London.
Newcastle’s stance has remained unchanged throughout the process.
The club are believed to value Guimaraes closer to £90-100 million and are insisting that any deal would require the vast majority of the fee to be paid up front rather than through performance-related bonuses.
That valuation has forced Arsenal to reassess whether pursuing the midfielder still represents value in the current market.
While Arteta remains a long-term admirer of Guimaraes, Arsenal have already invested heavily in midfield over the past two summers with the arrivals of Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino and Christian Norgaard, alongside Declan Rice’s record-breaking move in 2023.
The club are therefore reluctant to exceed their planned budget for another central midfielder unless Newcastle soften their position.
Guimaraes is believed to be open to joining Arsenal and has reportedly made his ambitions clear to Newcastle, but he also understands the club’s determination to retain him.
Unless Arsenal decide to significantly increase their offer, the Brazilian is expected to report for Newcastle’s pre-season preparations later this month.
For now, Arsenal face a difficult decision.
The Premier League champions can either return with a substantially improved proposal or walk away from one of their marquee transfer targets and explore alternative options before the transfer window closes.